Communications device for a protective helmet

ABSTRACT

A communications device for use with a protective helmet having a headband is provided. Generally, the communications device provides support member for a bone conduction microphone that is easily added to and removed from the protective helmet, allowing the communications device to be readily used with both new and existing protective helmets. While in use, support member positions the bone conduction microphone between the headband and a user&#39;s head, preferably between the napestrap and the center of the back of the user&#39;s head. The communications device can be used with any type of protective helmet, such as a fireman&#39;s helmet, a military helmet, a hard-hat, etc.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a communication device foruse with a protective helmet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bone conduction microphones are known in the art and are used incommunication systems for the transmission of speech. When a personspeaks the cranial bones vibrate in accordance with the sounds that areproduced by the person's vocal cords. Bone conduction microphones detectvibrations in the user's cranial bones and convert the vibrations toelectrical signals that can be communicated to a two way radio. Boneconduction microphones are especially useful in noisy environments suchas, for example, in helicopters, at fire sites, at construction sites,etc., where typical microphones may pick up and transmit a significantamount of ambient noise. Many of these environments require a user towhere a protective helmet that has an adjustable headband.

Bone conduction microphones must firmly engage or abut the bone throughwhich the vibrations are traveling for the bone conduction microphone toconsistently and reliably detect the vibrations and convert the detectedvibrations to electrical signals.

Attempts have been made to attach bone conduction microphones toprotective helmets. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,249 (the '249patent) in which a bone conduction microphone is mounted on thenapestrap of the helmet. The napestrap is the portion of the headbandthat is generally located in the rear of the helmet and is positionedover the nape of the neck.

These devices, however, include multiple movable parts that must becorrectly adjusted for the bone conduction microphone to functionproperly. For example, the assembly of the '249 patent includes asliding mechanism that must be closed around a ratchet sleeve, carriedon the helmet's napestrap. A ratchet sleeve is a sleeve carried by thenapestrap portion of the headband. The ratchet sleeve has an adjustmentknob that rotates to increase/decrease the size of the headband. Inaddition, a screw mechanism must be tightened to secure the assembly tothe ratchet sleeve. Further, the microphone is on a separate adjustableflange and must be adjusted to fit the user's head, and a screwmechanism needs to be tightened to retain the microphone in its adjustedposition.

Moreover, these devices do not place the microphone in an optimalposition to consistently and reliably detect the vibrations in thecranial bones. Further the position of the microphone may need to beadjusted during use, which is impossible, or at least very inconvenient,in many circumstances, such as while fighting a fire, or in the middleof a rescue attempt. In addition, it is not easy and/or convenient tosecure these devices to a helmet. Finally, these devices limit theplacement of a speaker to one side of the helmet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of a communications device is provided which includes asupport for positioning a bone conduction microphone between theheadband of the helmet and the user's head. The support includes asupport flange or projection for resting on the upper edge of theheadband so that the headband can carry the weight of the device whenthe helmet is in position on the user's head. With this structure, thehelmet's headband not only secures the helmet in place but also securesthe microphone in direct engagement with the user's head andsimultaneously supports the weight of the device. Therefore, the devicecan be easily mounted on and secured to the helmet's headband withoutusing or adjusting various moveable parts.

Thus, an improved communications device for use with a protective helmethaving a headband is provided. The device includes a bone conductionmicrophone, and a support for mounting the device on the headband,preferably on the napestrap portion of the headband, and for positioningthe microphone between the headband and the user's head when the deviceis mounted in this way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A is a block diagram of one embodiment of a bone conductionmicrophone, radio transmitter/receiver, a speaker and an optionalauxiliary microphone.

FIG. 1 B is a prospective view of one embodiment of a protective helmethaving an adjustable headband with a ratchet sleeve.

FIG. 1 C is a prospective view one embodiment of of a ratchet sleevelocated on the napestrap portion of an adjustable headband having aratchet sleeve.

FIG. 2 is a prospective view of one embodiment of a communicationsdevice.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B is a front view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3C is a rear view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3D is a cross sectional view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the inventivecommunications device with an adjustable napestrap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

One embodiment of the present invention relates generally to acommunication device for use with a protective helmet and morespecifically to embodiments of a support member configured to connect toa napestrap portion of a headband of a protective helmet. The supportmember is configured to place a bone conduction microphone between thenapestrap of the protective helmet and a user's head. Illustrated inFIG. 1 is an embodiment of a communication system 100. The communicationsystem 100 includes a radio transmitter/receiver 102 electricallycoupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) 120 via cable 110. PCB 120 iselectrically coupled to a bone conduction microphone 104 and a speakerassembly 108 via cables 112, 114 respectively. Thus, the bone conductionmicrophone 104 and speaker 108 are placed in circuit communication withthe radio transmitter/receiver 102. In addition, an optional auxiliarymicrophone 130, such as a push-to-talk (PIT) microphone, a lapelmicrophone (LM) etc. is shown. As a result, PCB 120 can be placeddirectly in circuit communication with the radio transmitter/receiver,or placed in circuit communication with the radio transmitter/receiver102 via the auxiliary microphone 130.

Vibrations in bones, such as cranial bones, are created when a userspeaks. The bone conduction microphone 104 detects and amplifies thevibrations in the cranial bones. The bone conduction microphone 104 ismade up of a vibration sensor (not shown) and electrical circuitry. Theelectrical circuitry can be located integral with the vibration sensoror remote from the vibration sensor, preferably the electrical circuitryis located on PCB 120, or in circuitry located in the optional auxiliarymicrophone. The vibrations are detected and converted into electricalsignals that are representative of the user's voice. The electricalsignals can be communicated to the radio transmitter/receiver via cable112 and PCB 120 where the electrical signals can be transmitted to asecond radio receiver (not shown). One embodiment of a bone conductionmicrophone is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,079, which is herebyincorporated by reference. Other bone conduction microphones can also beused.

Electrical signals received by the radio transmitter/receiver 102 can becommunicated to the speaker assembly 108 via cable 110, PCB 120 andcable 114. The electrical signals communicated to the speaker assembly108 cause a membrane (not shown) inside the speaker to vibrate. Thevibrations in the membrane produce an aural transmission within thefrequency range detectable by the user. Preferably, the auraltransmissions are representative of a human voice.

The communications device, described herein, can be used with any helmetor hat that has a headband. Preferably the helmet or hat is a protectivehelmet, such as a fireman's helmet, a construction hardhat, etc. FIG. 1Billustrates a typical protective helmet 150. Preferably, the protectivehelmet 150 includes a shell 152, a suspension harness 154, a headband170 having a napestrap portion 165, and a ratchet sleeve 160. The shell152 provides protection from falling objects and is secured to theuser's head by the headband 170. The headband 170, which surrounds auser's head, is connected to the shell 152 via the suspension harness154. Generally the headband 170 is adjustable. The headband 170 has afirst adjustment strap 170A and a second adjustment strap 170B.Generally, the adjustment straps 170A, 170B are located in the back ofthe helmet 150 and form part of the napestrap 165. The portion of theheadband 170 engaging the lower rear portion of the user's head at ornear the nape of the user's neck is referred to herein as the napestrap165. The adjustment straps 170A and 170B allow the size of the headband170 to be changed. The headband 170 may be adjusted in any known manner,such as with one or more projecting members or tabs (not shown) onadjustment strap 170A that can be inserted into a one or more holes (notshown), in a series of holes, on adjustment strap 170B, similar to theadjustment of a napestrap commonly used on baseball caps. Preferably thenapestrap has a ratchet sleeve 160 (FIG. 1C), carried by the napestrap165 and described in more detail below, for easily adjusting the size ofthe headband 170.

The headband 170 for use with a ratchet sleeve 160 has a firstadjustment strap 170A and a second adjustment strap 170B. The adjustmentstraps 170A, 170B overlap inside of the ratchet sleeve 160. The ratchetsleeve 160 has an adjustment knob 162 that rotates inside the ratchetsleeve 160 and engages adjustment straps 170A and 170B. Rotating theadjustment knob 162 in one direction decreases the size of the headband170 by pulling adjustment straps 170A and 170B into the ratchet sleeve160. Rotating the adjustment knob 162 in the opposite directionincreases the size of the headband 170 by pushing the adjustment straps170A and 170B out of the ratchet sleeve 160.

Generally, headbands are made of relatively flexible rigid plasticmaterial having a rectangular configuration. The rectangularconfiguration has a first dimension, typically between ¾″ and 1″, and asecond dimension, typically around 1/16″. The rectangular configurationallows the headband 170 to be rigid in one direction and be flexible inthe other direction enabling it to roughly conform to the shape of theuser's head. In addition, the ratchet sleeve 160 is made of relativelyrigid plastic that is curved slightly, roughly proportional to the curveof a typical user's head. The ratchet sleeve 160, while fairly rigid,also conforms to a user's head. While the headband 170 is flexible infirst direction, it is rigid in the second direction. Thus the headbandprovides a desirable support for mounting a bone conduction microphonehaving the weight of the bone conduction microphone and its supportcarried by the headband.

The communications device described herein can be positioned anywherealong headband 170. Preferably, the communications device is secured tothe napestrap 165. Still more preferably, the communications device issecured to the ratchet sleeve 160. Thus, the use of the terms“headband”, “napestrap” and/or “ratchet sleeve” throughout thedescription with reference to mounting the communications device doesnot limit the position of the assembly to any one particular position.Furthermore, all types of headbands used with protective helmets havebeen considered for use with the device described herein and are withinthe spirit and scope the present invention.

Illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D is one embodiment of acommunications device 200. Preferably, the communications device 200includes a support member 201, a bone conduction microphone 207 aspeaker assembly 108 connected to the support member 201 via a flexibleboom 224, and a cable 220 for placing the communication device 200 incircuit communication with a radio transmitter/receiver (not shown). Theflexible boom 224 can be made up of any flexible material, such asflexible conduit, rubber, multi-conductor wire, etc. Preferably,however, the flexible boom 224 is hollow member to facilitate thepassage of the electrical conductors required for the speaker.

The support member 201 is used to releasably mount the bone conductionmicrophone 207 to the headband 170 of the helmet. In one embodiment, thesupport member 201 includes a support plate 202, an upper flange 204, alower flange 206, a plurality of tabs 212, and an electronics housing210. The upper support flange 204 and lower flange 206 are attached toopposite sides of the support plate 202. In an alternative embodiment,the support flanges 204, 206 are connected directly to the microphone207 and the support plate 202 is not required. The support flanges 204and 206 are substantially perpendicular to the support plate 202 forminga generally U-shaped channel. The U-shaped channel is curved slightly toconform to the general shape of the napestrap 165 and/or ratchet sleeve160. The upper and lower flanges 204, 206, respectively, are configuredto extend over a top edge and a bottom edge of a napestrap 165 (FIGS. 3Dand 4) to facilitate securing the communications device to the napestrap165. The upper support flange 204 is configured to rest on the top edgeof the napestrap 165. Thus, the napestrap 165 supports the weight of thecommunications device 200 when the communications device 200 is mountedon the napestrap 165. In addition, the support member 201 positions themicrophone 207 between the napestrap 165 and the user's head 307.Securing the communication device 200 to the napestrap 165 will bedescribed in more detail below. Preferably the support plate 202 andsupport flanges 204, 206 are curved slightly to conform to the generalshape of a napestrap 165 in a protective helmet 150. In addition, thelower flange 206 and upper flange 204 have a plurality of tabs 212A,212B, 212C, 212D located opposite the support plate 202 so that the tabs212 A–D extend perpendicular to the lower flange 206 and upper flange204. When mounted on the napestrap 165, the tabs 212 A–D extend upwardlyfrom the lower flange 206 and downwardly from the upper flange 204 inthe back of the napestrap 165 and aid in the securing the support member201 to the napestrap 165.

The upper flange 204 is configured to carry the electronic housing 210.In one embodiment, the upper flange 204 extends beyond the end of thesupport plate 202, in the direction of speaker 108 and carries orsupports the electronics housing 210. Preferably electronics housing 210has a face plate 214 that extends from the upper flange 204 toapproximately the bottom of support plate 202. The face plate 214 issubstantially parallel to the support plate 202 (see FIG. 2). It shouldbe noted that since the support plate 202 is slightly curved, the faceplate 214 is not literally parallel to the support plate 202.Preferably, the electronics housing 210 is spaced rearwardly withrespect to the microphone 207 by a distance sufficient so that thenapestrap 165 can be slipped between the microphone 207 and theelectronics housing 210. Preferably, the electronics housing 210 isconfigured to receive a radio interface cable 220 and a flexible boom224. The radio interface cable 220 has a cable connector 222 forconnection to a radio transmitter/receiver (not shown) on a first endand a cable strain relief connector 218 located near the second end. Thecable strain relief connector 218 is secured to the electronics housing210.

The radio interface cable 220 is electrically coupled to PCB 120, whichis located in electronics housing 210. Preferably, PCB 120 is alsocoupled to the speaker assembly 108 through wires (not shown) that arehoused in the flexible boom 224. In one embodiment, the bone conductionmicrophone 207 is made up of a vibration sensing device 420 (FIG. 4)that is encased in a sensing element cavity 208, and electricalcircuitry located on PCB 120. The sensing element cavity 208 provides asoft surface for contacting a user's head 307. The soft surface providescomfort during long periods of use. In addition, the sensing elementcavity 208 provides a medium for conducting the vibrations travelingthrough the cranial bones to the vibration sensing device 420. In oneembodiment, the sensing element cavity 208 is secured to the front ofthe support plate 202. Preferably, however, the support plate 202 has anaperture through it and the sensing element cavity 208 is inserted therethrough. In this embodiment, a back cover 302 (FIG. 3C) is utilized tosecure the sensing element cavity 208 in place and to protect the wiringthat extends out of the back of the sensing element cavity 208.Additionally, the sensing element cavity 208 can be protected by arubber pad, wherein the rubber pad is configured to contact the user'shead 307 and provide a layer of protection for the sensing elementcavity 208.

In general, the U-shaped channel support member 201 and the electronichousing 210 form an aperture to receive a headband 170, napestrap 165,and/or ratchet sleeve 160 (FIG. 1B) there through. The weight of thecommunication device 200, the upper flange 204, and the electronichousing 210 serve to releasably mount the communication device 200 tothe napestrap 165. In addition, the tabs 212 A–D located on the lowerflange 206 and upper flange 204 extend upwardly and downwardly,respectively, in the back of the napestrap 165, and function to aid inreleasably mounting the device to the napestrap 165. In addition, thepressure applied to the communication device 200 while in use, with themicrophone 207 positioned between a user's head 307 and the napestrap165 further acts to securely hold the communications device 200 inplace. The bone conduction microphone 207 can be positioned in aplurality of locations so that during use the bone conduction microphone207 is between the napestrap 165 and the user's head 307. Preferably,the device positions the bone conduction microphone 207 in the center ofthe back of the user's head 307.

The positioning of the bone conducting microphone, as used herein,includes the entire bone conduction microphone and/or a portion thereof.For example, the statement “placing the bone conduction microphonebetween the napestrap and the user's head” includes placing merely thevibration sensing portion of the bone conduction microphone between thenapestrap and the user's head. Thus, a portion of the bone conductionmicrophone can be located in the electronics housing. As a result, thenapestrap can be positioned between the bone conduction microphone andthe electronics housing even if a portion of the bone conductionmicrophone is located in the electronics' housing.

FIG. 4 is a detailed illustration of an exploded view of one embodimentof the communication device 200 and an adjustable headband 412. Theadjustable headband 412 includes adjustment straps 412A and 412B, aratchet sleeve 409 having an adjustment knob 410, a back 404, a front405, a top edge 406, and a bottom edge 408. The headband 412 is adjustedby rotating the adjustment knob 410 on the ratchet sleeve 409. Rotatingthe adjustment knob 410 in one direction decreases the size of headband412 by tightening adjustment straps 412A, 412B. Rotating the adjustmentknob 410 in the opposite direction increases the size of headband 412 byloosening the adjustment straps 412A, 412B. While the present embodimentis described in detail relating to an adjustable napestrap with aratchet sleeve, all types of adjustable headbands are contemplated andwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The communication device 200 includes a support member 201 that has anaperture 430. A portion of a rubber pad 427, configured to enclose thesensing element cavity 208, fits through the aperture 430. Preferably,the rubber pad 427 has a flange 428 to retain the rubber pad 427 andprevent the rubber pad 427 from passing completely through the aperture430. A vibration sensing device 420, which includes an accelerometer 421and two capacitors 422 is connected to three wires 424, and is enclosedin a shrink wrap protector 426. The vibration sensing device 420 isencased in the sensing element cavity 208. The other end of the threewires 424 (not shown) are connected to the printed circuit board (PCB)120. The wires 424 are protected from the environment by back plate 302and the electronics enclosure 210. The bone conduction microphone 207 ismade up of the vibration sensing device 420 and electrical circuitrylocated on PCB 120. It should be obvious that with minor circuit changestwo wires can be used to connect the vibration sensing device 420 to PCB120.

The upper flange 204 of the support member 201 is configured to carrythe electronics housing 210. The electronics housing 210 is secured tothe upper flange 204 using a plurality of screws 435. Any method ofsecuring the electronics housing member to the upper flange, such aswith an adhesive, a snap-fitting, etc. is contemplated and within thespirit and scope of the invention. A gasket 436 seals the electronicenclosure 210 and protects the electronics from moisture and dirt.Printed circuit board, PCB 120 is located inside the electronicsenclosure 210.

A speaker assembly 108 is attached to the distal end of flexible boom224. The proximal end of the flexible boom 224 is attached to theelectronics enclosure 210. Electronics enclosure 210 has a firstaperture (not shown) configured to receive the flexible boom 224. Theproximal end of the flexible boom 224 is inserted through an o-ring 440and through the first aperture where it is secured to electronicsenclosure 210 with a snap-ring 438. The o-ring 440 seals the connectionbetween the flexible boom 224 and the electronics enclosure 210 andprevents dirt and moisture from entering the electronics enclosure 210.The speaker assembly 108 includes a speaker 450, gaskets 454, a speakermembrane 456 and a speaker cover 458, secured together by screws 435.The speaker 450 is connected to two wires 452, which are routed throughthe flexible boom 224 and connected to PCB 120. Electrical signals canbe communicated to the speaker from PCB 120 causing the speaker membraneto vibrate and produce audible tones.

The electronics enclosure 210 has a second aperture (not shown)configured to receive strain relief connector 218. Strain reliefconnector 218 is connected to radio interface cable 220. An o-ring 440is inserted over strain relief connector 218 to prevent moisture anddirt from entering the electronics enclosure 210. The strain reliefconnector 218 is inserted through the second aperture and secured in theelectronics housing by a snap ring 437. The wires in the radio interfacecable 220 are connected the printed circuit board. Radio interface cable220 has a cable connector 222 configured to selectively connect to ahand-held radio transmitter/receiver and place the bone conductionmicrophone 207 and speaker 108 in circuit communication with thetransmitter/receiver. The connection to the hand-held radiotransmitter/receiver can be a direct connection or connected via theauxiliary microphone 130 (FIG. 1).

The communication device 200 is configured to be easily added to orremoved from a protective helmet 150. In addition, the communicationdevice 200 is reversible i.e. it is configured so that a user can securethe communication assembly 200 to the protective helmet 150 such thatthe speaker assembly 108 can be placed on either the right or the leftside of the protective helmet 150. In one embodiment, the electronicshousing is shaped and positioned to the side of the microphone in such away that device can be mounted on the headband/napestrap and/or ratchetsleeve in two different configurations. The first configuration havingthe electronics housing and speaker on the user's left side, and thesecond configuration having the electronics housing and speaker on theuser's right side. The device is adapted for mounting in the firstconfiguration by slipping the device over the top edge of the ratchetsleeve 409 and is adapted for mounting in the other configuration byslipping the device over the bottom edge of the ratchet sleeve 409.

The speaker assembly can be positioned on the left side of theprotective helmet 150 by positioning the communication device 200 overthe ratchet sleeve 409 so that the microphone 207 is in front of ratchetsleeve 409 and the electronics housing 210 is in the back of ratchetsleeve 409. The communication device 200 is slipped over the top edge ofthe ratchet sleeve 409 and positioned so that the upper flange 204 comesto rest on the top edge 406 of ratchet sleeve 409 with the microphone207 in front of ratchet sleeve 409 and the electronic housing 210 inback of ratchet sleeve 409. The lower flange 406 is positioned so thatthe lower flange 406 is directly below the bottom edge 408 of ratchetsleeve 409. Preferably tabs 212A, 212B are provided on the lower flange206, and tabs 212C and 212D are provided on the upper flange 204. Thetabs 212 A–D can be positioned behind the back 404 of ratchet sleeve409. Thus, tabs 212 A–D can engage the back of the ratchet sleeve 409and aid in securing the assembly 200 to the ratchet sleeve 409. In thisconfiguration, the weight of the communication device 200 is carried bythe upper flange 204.

The speaker assembly can be positioned on the right side of theprotective helmet 150 by positioning the communication device 200 upsidedown and below ratchet sleeve 409 so that the microphone 207 is in frontof ratchet sleeve 409, and the electronics housing 210 is in back ofratchet sleeve 409. The communication device 200 is slipped over thebottom edge 408 of the ratchet sleeve 409 so that the upper flange 204comes to rest on the bottom edge 408 of ratchet sleeve 409 with themicrophone 207 in front of ratchet sleeve 409 and the electronic housing210 in back of ratchet sleeve 409. The lower flange 206 is positioned sothat the lower flange 206 is directly above the top edge 406 of ratchetsleeve 409 and tabs 212A and 212B, on the lower flange 206, and tabs212C and 212D on the upper flange 204 are behind the back 404 of theratchet sleeve 409. The tabs 212 A–D engage the back of the ratchetsleeve 409 and aid in securing the assembly 200 to the ratchet sleeve409. In this configuration, the weight of the communications device 200is carried by the lower flange 206.

Bone conduction microphones must be positioned firmly against the bonethrough which the vibrations are traveling for the bone conductionmicrophone to consistently and reliably detect the vibrations andconvert the detected vibrations to electrical signals. The bonemicrophone described herein is capable of sensing vibrations from thecranium through intermediate materials, such as human hair, hoods, maskharnesses, protective liners, etc. The positioning of the boneconduction microphone 207 directly between the headband 412 and a user'shead 307 greatly enhances the reliability and consistency of thecommunications. Further an optimal position for detecting the vibrationscreated by a user's vocal cords is in the center of the back of theuser's head. Positioning a bone microphone between a napestrap and thecenter of a user's head provides for reliable and consistent positioningof the bone microphone in an optimum position to detect the vibrations.The headband can be adjusted so that the pressure can be increased ordecreased on the bone conduction microphone to firmly position itagainst the bone.

As noted earlier, the bone conduction microphone 207 can be locatedanywhere along the headband so that it is positioned between theheadband and the user's head during use. Tightening the headband 412directly increases contact pressure between the microphone and thecranial bones, which enables the vibrations to pass through the cranialbones and sensing element cavity with less loss of the vibrations. Thus,the vibrations are stronger and easier to detect by the vibrationsensing device 402, which increases the reliability of thecommunications device. Preferably, a headband having a ratchet sleeve isused and the contact pressure on the bone conduction microphone can beadjusted with a simple twist of an adjustment knob. As a result,adjustments can be made quickly and easily even in inconvenientcircumstances, such as while fighting fires, performing rescueoperations.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofembodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. For example, the vibration sensing device canbe integrated in a napestrap or ratchet sleeve itself, thus thenapestrap or ratchet sleeve becomes the support member. Therefore, theinvention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specificdetails, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shownand described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such detailswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's generalinventive concept.

1. A communication device for use with a protective helmet having aheadband, the device comprising: a bone conductor microphone, and asupport to which the microphone is mounted and which is configured forreleasable mounting on the headband, wherein the support positions themicrophone between an inner surface of the headband and a user's head,and in contact with a user's head, when the device is mounted on theheadband, and wherein the headband is adjustable and comprises: aratchet sleeve, wherein the support is configured to releasably mount onthe ratchet sleeve and position the microphone between the ratchetsleeve and the user's head, the ratchet sleeve being configured fortightening and loosening the adjustable headband, wherein tightening theheadband increases pressure on the microphone, and loosening theheadband decreases pressure on the microphone, the pressure on themicrophone being created by forces exerted between the headband and theuser's head.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein headband comprises: anapestrap, and the support is configured to releasable mount on thenapestrap and further to position the microphone between the napestrapand the user's head when the device is mounted on the napestrap.
 3. Thedevice of claim 2, wherein the support comprises an upper support flangefor resting on the top edge of the napestrap so that the weight of thedevice is supported on the top edge of the napestrap while the napestrapsimultaneously secures the microphone in direct engagement with theuser's head.
 4. The device of claim 3, further comprising an electronicshousing carried by the upper support flange of the support.
 5. Thedevice of claim 4, wherein the electronics housing is spaced rearwardlywith respect to the microphone by a distance sufficient so that thenapestrap can be slipped between the microphone and the electronicshousing for mounting the device on the napestrap.
 6. The device of claim5, wherein the support is configured to position the microphone at ornear the center of the back of the user's head and further wherein theelectronics housing is mounted to the side of the microphone.
 7. Thedevice of claim 2, wherein the support is configured so that the devicecan be mounted on the napestrap in its use position without adjustmentof moveable parts.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the supportcomprises: an upper support flange for resting on the top edge of thenapestrap, and a lower support flange for positioning below the loweredge of the napestrap, the microphone, upper support flange and lowersupport flange together defining a U-shaped channel for receiving thenapestrap.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the support is made from asingle piece of molded plastic.
 10. The device of claim 8, furthercomprising an electronics housing carried by the upper support flange ofthe support.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the support isconfigured to position the microphone at or near the center of the backof the user's head and further wherein the electronics housing ispositioned to the side of the microphone.
 12. The device of claim 11,wherein the electronics housing is spaced rearwardly with respect to themicrophone by a distance sufficient so that the napestrap can be slippedbetween the microphone and the electronics housing for mounting thedevice on the napestrap.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein theelectronics housing is shaped and positioned to the side of themicrophone in such a way that device can be mounted on the napestrap intwo different configurations, a first configuration with the electronicshousing on the user's left side, and a second configuration with theelectronics housing on the user's right side, the device being adaptedfor mounting in one of these configurations by slipping the device overthe top edge of the napestrap and being adapted for mounting in theother configuration by slipping the device over the lower edge of thenapestrap.
 14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a speaker forpositioning near the ear of the user, and a flexible boom mounting thespeaker to the electronics housing.
 15. The device of claim 1, whereinthe support comprises: an upper support flange for resting on the topedge of the headband so that the weight of the device is supported onthe top edge of the headband, wherein the headband is configured toplace the microphone in direct engagement with the user's head while thedevice is in use.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the supportfurther comprises: a lower support flange, wherein the upper supportflange, the microphone, and the lower support flange form a generallyU-shaped channel for receiving the headband.
 17. The device of claim 16wherein the support is configured so that the device can be mounted onthe headband in its use position without adjustment of moveable parts.18. The device of claim 17 further comprising: a speaker, wherein thespeaker is supported by the upper support flange, and the speaker isspaced rearwardly with respect to the microphone by a distancesufficient so that the headband can be slipped between the microphoneand the speaker.
 19. The device of claim 18 further comprising: aflexible boom, wherein the flexible boom connects the speaker to theupper support flange.
 20. A helmet comprising: a protective shell, anadjustable headband secured to the protective shell, and a communicationdevice comprising: a bone conductor microphone, and a support to whichthe microphone is mounted and which is configured for releasablemounting on the headband, wherein the support positions the microphonebetween an inner surface of the headband and a user's head, and incontact with a user's head, when the device is mounted on the headband,and wherein the headband is adjustable and comprises: a ratchet sleeve,wherein the support is configured to releasably mount on the ratchetsleeve and position the microphone between the ratchet sleeve and theuser's head, the ratchet sleeve being configured for tightening andloosening the adjustable headband, wherein tightening the headbandincreases pressure on the microphone, and loosening the headbanddecreases pressure on the microphone, the pressure on the microphonebeing created by forces exerted between the headband and the user'shead.
 21. The helmet of claim 20 wherein the support member furthercomprises: an upper support flange configured to rest on the top edge ofthe headband, and a lower support flange configured to be positionedbelow the lower edge of the headband, wherein the upper support flange,the microphone, and the lower support flange generally form a U-shapedchannel for receiving the headband.
 22. The helmet of claim 21 furthercomprising: an electronics housing carried by the support member. 23.The helmet of claim 22 wherein the electronics housing is spaced fromthe microphone by a distance sufficient so that the headband can beslipped between the microphone and the electronics housing for mountingthe device on the headband.
 24. The helmet of claim 23 furthercomprising: a speaker configured to be positioned near the user's ear.25. The helmet of claim 24 further comprising: a flexible boom forattaching the speaker to the electronics housing.
 26. The helmet ofclaim 20 further comprising: a portable radio transmitter/receiverconfigured to be selectively placed in circuit communication with thebone conduction microphone.
 27. The helmet of claim 20, wherein headbandcomprises: a napestrap, and the support is configured to releasablemount on the napestrap and further to position the microphone betweenthe napestrap and the user's head when the device is mounted on thenapestrap.
 28. The helmet of claim 27, wherein the support is configuredso that the device can be mounted on the napestrap in its use positionwithout adjustment of moveable parts.
 29. The helmet of claim 28,wherein the support comprises: an upper support flange for resting onthe top edge of the napestrap, and a lower support flange forpositioning below the lower edge of the napestrap, the microphone, uppersupport flange and lower support flange together defining a U-shapedchannel for receiving the napestrap.
 30. The helmet of claim 29, furthercomprising an electronics housing carried by the upper support flange ofthe support.
 31. The helmet of claim 30, wherein the support isconfigured to position the microphone at or near the center of the backof the user's head and further wherein the electronics housing ispositioned to the side of the microphone.
 32. The helmet of claim 31,wherein the electronics housing is spaced rearwardly with respect to themicrophone by a distance sufficient so that the napestrap can be slippedbetween the microphone and the electronics housing for mounting thedevice on the napestrap.
 33. The helmet of claim 32, wherein theelectronics housing is shaped and positioned to the side of themicrophone in such a way that device can be mounted on the napestrap intwo different configurations, a first configuration with the electronicshousing on the user's left side, and a second configuration with theelectronics housing on the user's right side, the device being adaptedfor mounting in one of these configurations by slipping the device overthe top edge of the napestrap and being adapted for mounting in theother configuration by slipping the device over the lower edge of thenapestrap.